The Sugarite Canyon State Park, NM

Rising almost 8,000 feet above sea level, the Sugarite Canyon State Park is one of strength and character. An impressive expanse of caprock hems the canyon, an ancient gift created by molten lava from a nearby volcano.

Raton

The Canyon is a stone's throw from Raton, a quaint little town that resembles an overgrown village, a little shy of 10,000 people. You'll find the standard fast-food and retail establishments in place, as well as modern banks and medical facilities. Keep that in mind, just in case you have an unfortunate run-in with a bear at the Canyon.

Those Bears

During our September visit, they were pretty frisky, advancing into the campgrounds in search of food. Nature wasn't very kind that year, so nourishment was difficult for the bears to find. We had the opportunity to spy a baby bear in some brush next to the restroom facilities, and we wisely obeyed the 'bear rules' by returning to our campsite. Even tiny bears can do big damage, especially if mother is nearby.

The Elements

It can get very cold in high elevations, so if you plan on visiting the park be sure and pack some warmer gear for those chilly nights. A bit of cocoa with marshmallow, coffee, or warm tea and honey goes especially well with a roaring campfire. As a note, during our September visit, the temperature dipped into the lower 20's. We thought we were going to experience frostbite before the morning harkened. It was so cold that we brought our small dog into the sleeping bags with us; she has a pretty ripe breath, so that should provide you with some indication of just how bitter the weather was during this period of the year.

On the flip-side, it can also get painfully hot, those searing rays doing mega damage to delicate skin. If you are visiting during the warmer months, pack your sunscreen, your sunshades, and take along a few canteens of water for hydration. The bottom of the Canyon will have about a 10 degree variance compared to higher elevations, so we're talking really warm.

If you aren't accustomed to hiking, you'll need to take it easy in the higher elevation. And strap on a good pair of hiking boots before hitting the trail. They'll not only support your feet and legs; they might just help protect you from a viscous bite from a stray viper you may encounter along the trail.

The Caprock

Magnificent columns of basaltic rock jut upward from the base of the Canyon, and are the dominant geologic feature of the park. Some of the basalt rock expands to over 100 feet thick! You'll want to take plenty of film for your camera, but keep in mind that the three-dimensional effect of the scenic wonder is very difficult to capture on film.

The caprock is also a rock climber's paradise - and climbing is allowed. Again, just be alert for stray bears and viscous vipers.

The Facilities & Gate Accessibility

Sugarite Canyon is equipped with excellent facilities - camping, hiking trails, group shelter picnicking, fishing, sites with electricity, sailing, canoeing (no gas engines allowed as the Canyon lies in the watershed of the nearby town of Raton), RV dump station, restrooms, showers, and makes a great setting for winter sports such as ice fishing. The visitor's center includes an impressive showcase of nature. The 'animal fur' display will peak the curiosity of the sternest of men. There is also extensive information regarding the coal mining operations in the area, both current and historical.

Plan to enjoy this pristine park for at least a couple of days. You'll have 3,600 acres in which to romp and play, in addition to a 120 acre lake.

Another excellent feature of this park is the 24-hour gate accessibility. When traveling, it's just about impossible to determine your arrival date. We've been shut out of the Texas parks more than once, stranded to fend the night without a hotel in sight. Those bad boys like to shut the gates and lock in the cattle(i.e.campers) each and every night. If you aren't there at closing time, you can forget it.

The Wildlife

Black bear, rock squirrels, bobcats, beavers, muskrats, raccoons, porcupine, mountain lions, elk, chipmunks, skunks, wild turkey, grouse, mule deer, gray fox, coyotes, falcons, canyon hawks, short-tailed weasels, butterflies, brown bats, and fish are all indigenous to the area. During migration season, expect to glimpse bald eagles, osprey, Canadian geese, coots, mallards and few surprises that may pop into the area.

The Green Stuff

Tiny blue lakes, murmuring creeks, grandfather oaks, wild locust and Ponderosa pines thread through the Canyon lands.

The Campgrounds

The modernized Soda Pocket campground lies just beneath the brow of the mesa. Camping sites are generous, each naturally equipped with a beautiful view of the Canyon, with nearby hiking trails that snake off to adventure. Soda Pocket is also equipped with bathrooms for your use.

RV campers needing utilities may prefer the lower lying Lake Alice campground. Lake Alice is adjacent to the main park road and allows for a number of camping spots while still obtaining privacy. The camping lots are well-arranged and near the restrooms facilities. If you need a shower, you'll want to use the facilities located across the street from the park visitor's center.

The Location

To get to Sugarite Canyon State Park, take I-25 exit 452 at Raton, follow NM 72 east for 3.5 miles, and go north on NM 526 for about two miles to the visitor center.

The Bear Facts

About that baby bear that Tom and I encountered. As I mentioned earlier, we had brought our stinky bundle of joy along for the trip, Mercedes - our portly little Pom. It was well-passed time for a restroom break, so we had headed to the facilities of the Lake Alice campground.

Dogs aren't allowed into the restrooms, and rightly so. Nonetheless, Tom was in the men's facility as his need was greater than mine at the time. Mercedes and I waited impatiently outside for him to finish, then it would be my turn; Tom would then watch the big baby so I could make use of the women's facilities.

While we waited, Mercedes noticed the baby bear sniffing around in the nearby brush.

She woofed, I screamed, then we ran into the men's restroom - through the unbolted door (thank God that Tom forgot to lock the door) to join a very startled Tom who was just finishing up. The space was very tiny. Hastily, I explained to Tom that a bear was just outside the door, so he heads out to investigate.

In the meantime, Mother Nature is calling me in a very bad way so I automatically lock the door and make use of the facility. The next thing I know, Tom is banging on the door saying, "Let me in!"

But I couldn't, as the door was just out of reach.

To make a long story short, I finally unlocked the door. We then managed to hold the dog's snout shut and then discretely waddled back to our campsite.

Camping - it's always an adventure!

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